Steelers Only Team That Voted To Keep The Tuck Rule

The NFL owners voted Wednesday to eliminate the Tuck Rule at their meetings in Arizona. With that rule now eliminated, quarterbacks who lose control of the ball while trying to pump fake and bring it back into their chest will be deemed to have fumbled.

This change of course won\’t help the 2001 Oakland Raiders, who lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs in 2002. The Tuck Rule was born as a result of the controversial play in that game that included Patriots quarterback Tom Brady fumbling the football while pulling it ball back to avoid a hit by Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson. The play was eventually reviewed and ruled an incomplete pass and the Patriots would go on to tie the game on that drive, and eventually win it. they also went on to become Super Bowl champions that year in addition.

Believe or not, the Steelers were reportedly the only team to vote against eliminating the Tuck Rule. Why? Perhaps it is because quarterback Ben Roethlisberger likes to use a pump fake quite a bit himself. Perhaps it is because he likes to extend plays so much.

The interpretation of the Tuck Rule, however, certainly didn\’t help the Steelers last year in their win over the New York Giants. On the play in question from that game, Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora hit Roethlisberger\’s arm as it was coming forward, but did not knock the ball out. The ball came out as Roethlisberger was trying to bring it back in and it looked like an easy open-and-shut case. The play, however, was ruled a fumble on the field and resulted in Giants linebacker Michael Boley returning the loose ball for a touchdown.

Another interesting note from the Wednesday? The Patriots were one of two teams that abstained from voting on the rule change. Perhaps Patriots owner Robert Kraft did that out of respect. Whatever the reason was for abstaining, Al Davis is still not comforted.

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I remember that play in the NYG game, I could not believe they ruled Ben fumbled. Not that I liked the tuck rule or anything, but a rule is a rule.

It continues to amaze me how much it pays to be named Tom Brady or Peyton Manning

Lisa Malpede

Haha, probably due to Ben’s unpredictable, estatic play.

nicolaisim

That’s so dumb! Anyone who’s in favor of the tuck rule is an idiot. As a die hard Steelers fan I dont even care about the argument for Ben’s pumpfakes. When the owners vote – they should always vote to protect/enhance the integrity of the game, period. But I’m so glad the other owners got it right!

Maurice_hill_district

Hope the actual vote results get published, no speculation crap. Because anyone who voted to keep that idiotic rule needs exposed.

Before salary cap for NFL, the leading owner voting against having a cap was Rooney, only because Rooney family did not want to have to meet a MINIMUM team salary – which was to be part of cap rules. Steelers used to be the cheapest team in NFL, & starting a cap rule was to also require all teams spend at least a certain minimum amount, that is why the cheap Rooney voted no.

walter mason

“Hope the actual vote results get published, no speculation crap. Because anyone who voted to keep that idiotic rule needs exposed.”

I think Steelers were the only team to get exposed (title says)

Brendon Glad

I found their vote interesting myself. Since the Steelers usually are one of about 5 teams who thinks logically on these matters, I suspect the NFL messed it up somehow. We will have to read the fine print later.

joed32

That vote was 15 to 13 for the cap. The intent of the rule was to prevent “Dynasties” such as the Packers, the Steelers, etc.

Maurice_hill_district

Steelers were not outspending most teams during the Steelers dominating dynasty years, & through the 1980s.

joed32

Didn’t say they were, just that the intent of the rule was to prevent teams from hoarding talent and the Steelers were against it as was almost half of the league.

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